Olfactory detection thresholds using pyridine, thiophene, and phenethyl alcohol.

An objective examination of olfactory function is needed for evaluation and clinical progression of patients with olfactory deficits. Two hundred sixty-eight healthy subjects were studied in order to establish olfactory thresholds for three test odorants. Subjects were required to simply detect the presence of an odor when comparing various log dilutions of test odorant against two "blank flasks. These data have provided a means of quantitating existing olfactory deficits in affected patients. Olfactory function was found to be diminished in elderly subjects and should be considered a factor when evaluating older patients.